Under the Hood: Tesla Model 3 Autocrosser

https://www.youtube.com/embed/jzNbE3edVy0

Dean Rhodes was tired of the negativity towards Tesla and other electric cars, so he decided to do something about it. He bought a 2018 Tesla Model 3 Performance and started autocrossing it.

 

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TVR Scott
TVR Scott HalfDork
5/16/19 6:50 a.m.

Love it!

Super cool discussion and great footage.  I've got a friend who just got a Model 3 and adores it.  I've not driven it yet, but he says it's  a ton of fun.

I did drive another friend's Model S a little bit and that was a terrific car.

fanfoy
fanfoy Dork
5/16/19 8:57 a.m.

We just had two model 3's show up at our first event and they did surprisingly well in the hands of inexperienced drivers.

It's weird seeing a car run with only the sound of the tires.

NermalSnert
NermalSnert Reader
5/16/19 9:04 a.m.

That IS an impressive car. What's next? It picks us up at the front of the motel, takes us to the track, and we watch it autocross? "We just had two model 3's show up at our first event and they did surprisingly well in the hands of inexperienced drivers."

Kreb
Kreb UberDork
5/16/19 9:12 a.m.

Car and driver did performance tests versus the BMW M3 and not only was the Tesla faster in a straight line, but faster on the track as well. Mind you that was for a single lap. I doubt that the Tesla's cooling is adequate to sustain a full lapping session. 

Kreb
Kreb UberDork
5/16/19 9:14 a.m.
NermalSnert said:

That IS an impressive car. What's next? It picks us up at the front of the motel, takes us to the track, and we watch it autocross? "We just had two model 3's show up at our first event and they did surprisingly well in the hands of inexperienced drivers."

My head kinda hurts thinking about that one. I robot here we come.  

Duke
Duke MegaDork
5/16/19 10:01 a.m.

Had one show up at our first autocross of the season - Model 3 Performance pack.

It drove like it was on the heavy side, but dear Bob, could that thing dig out of the slow spots.  Astounding acceleration for a daily driver sedan.

spacecadet
spacecadet HalfDork
5/16/19 10:04 a.m.

https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/tesla-model-3-model-s-one-lap-of-america-toughest-street-car-race/

They're taking off and the supercharger network is robust enough for even the craziest of events with minimal inconvenience compared to the ICE vehicles.

Only 150 extra miles across the week to get to superchargers... 

bcp2011
bcp2011 Reader
5/16/19 10:27 a.m.

In reply to sleepyhead the buffalo :

Given the length of the track and the long straights that's pretty impressive.  

GameboyRMH
GameboyRMH MegaDork
5/16/19 10:32 a.m.

Looks like it would be quicker with harder suspension.

sleepyhead the buffalo
sleepyhead the buffalo Mod Squad
5/16/19 10:38 a.m.
spacecadet said:

https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/tesla-model-3-model-s-one-lap-of-america-toughest-street-car-race/

They're taking off and the supercharger network is robust enough for even the craziest of events with minimal inconvenience compared to the ICE vehicles.

Only 150 extra miles across the week to get to superchargers... 

It's not impossible, We just haven't figured out how to do it yet.

It should be noted the Model 3 had enough cooling for three laps flat out at Road America, plus a sighting lap at unknown pace.  The P100D slowed noticeably on its third lap there.

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